After water was seen trickling down the belfry walls in 2015, it became clear that the copper shingles (tiles) on the spire had to be replaced at a cost of £150,000.Quite a daunting prospect for a small village church!However, with the help and advice of architect, Alison Bunning RIBA, Archdeacon Mark Butchers, and Louise Bartlett and Eve Van der Steen from the Church Buildings Office, the PCC rose to the challenge and the Spire Restoration Project was launched.Churchwardens John Ayre and Martin Alexander, with PCC treasurer Derek Atkinson, headed the project team, and after generous support from the local community, and a much appreciated grant from the Local Places of Worship Roof Repair Fund, the Spire was repaired and the copper shingles replaced with gleaming new ones. ​The colour of the spire will gradually return to its original hue.

The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Revd Dame Sarah Mullally, re-dedicated the Spire of St James the Apostle Church, Kingsnympton at a joyful service of celebration on Sunday 9th October, 2016.​